KLM’s websites use cookies and similar technologies. KLM uses functional cookies to ensure that the websites operate properly and analytic cookies to make your user experience optimal. Third parties place marketing and other cookies on the websites to display personalised advertisements for you. These third parties may monitor your internet behaviour through these cookies. By clicking ‘agree’ next to this or by continuing to use this website, you thereby give consent for the placement of these cookies. If you would like to know more about cookies or adjusting your cookie settings, please read KLM’s cookie policy .

It looks like your browser is out of date.
To use all features of KLM.com safely, we recommend that you update your browser, or that you choose a different one. Continuing with this version may result in parts of the website not being displayed properly, if at all. Also, the security of your personal information is better safeguarded with an updated browser.

The most beautiful part of Mauritius

A jagged mountain like this one on the southwestern tip of Mauritius would probably look a bit ominous elsewhere. But the row of swaying palm trees and the turquoise lagoon make all the difference: Le Morne Brabant is the most picturesque spot on the island.

If you can tear yourself away from the comfort of the beach resorts at the foot of Le Morne, you will be rewarded with a wide variety of activities. The area offers the best surf spots around the peninsula and is perfect for riding through the waves on horseback. The most exciting activity is the steep hike to the top of the mountain.

 Picture perfect

Mauritius

A tumultuous past

In 2008, Le Morne was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site. It didn’t earn this designation just for its natural beauty or the rare plants that grow on the steep hillsides. The location is first and foremost of historic importance for the role it played during slavery. At the beginning of the 19th century, Mauritius was also known as the ‘Maroon republic’, because of the large population of runaway slaves — the so-called maroons — who had escaped the houses and estates of their local masters. They sought a safe haven on the isolated and inaccessible mountain top, surrounded by steep and densely overgrown cliffs. Over time, the maroons were successful in setting up small settlements here.

The story goes that when slavery was abolished, an expedition was sent out to Le Morne to bring the good news. However, the sight of the arriving troops caused great panic among the maroons, who ran themselves off the cliff. The name Le Morne, French for ‘the Sad One’, refers to the tragic fate of these slaves.


The steep mountainside of Le Morne


A panorama of the peninsula

An underwater waterfall

Near Le Morne we can admire one of the most spectacular natural attractions of Mauritius. However, to see this you have to take to the sky. A helicopter is one option but Google Earth is another alternative. Just off the coast, you can see how the sea bottom suddenly gives way to a steep depth. Along the edge there seems to be the flow of an underwater waterfall. Although nothing more than an illusion, the effect is stunning: what we see is the constant flow of sand sucked into the ocean’s depths by the currents.